Elevate your salad game with a stunning Grilled Pear Salad with Port that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing! Imagine the sweet, smoky flavor of perfectly grilled pears, paired with the creamy richness of blue cheese and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts—all drizzled with a luxurious port wine vinaigrette. This dish is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a light lunch or as a show-stopping side at your next dinner party, this recipe is a must-try that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup port wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the grill or grill pan by preheating to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Ensure grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Slice pears in half lengthwise and carefully remove the core using a melon baller or small spoon. Brush pear halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place pear halves cut-side down on the hot grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes until distinct grill marks appear and the pears start to caramelize. Carefully flip and grill the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- While pears are grilling, toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
- In a small saucepan, reduce port wine over medium heat until it becomes slightly syrupy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in remaining olive oil to create a quick port vinaigrette.
- Arrange mixed salad greens on a large serving platter or individual plates. Place grilled pear halves on top of the greens.
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts over the salad. Drizzle the port wine vinaigrette evenly across the salad.
- Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while pears are still warm.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pears: Opt for ripe but firm pears, such as Bartlett or Bosc, as they hold their shape well when grilled and offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat to achieve those beautiful grill marks and caramelization on the pears.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the pears while grilling; they should be tender but not mushy. Adjust the grilling time based on their ripeness.
- Toast Walnuts Carefully: Toast the walnuts over medium heat and stir frequently to avoid burning. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the port vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before drizzling over the salad.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the salad immediately while the grilled pears are still warm, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add a Twist: Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients like dried cranberries or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor and color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
